PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, february 5, 2019
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News
Oil prices slide after hitting 2019 highs on tighter supply outlook
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il hit a two-month high near $64 a barrel as OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela’s oil exports brightened the supply outlook, but prices fell back on uncertainty about prospects for the global economy. OPEC and its allies began a new round of supply cuts in January. These curbs, led by Saudi Arabia, have been compounded by involuntary losses that the Venezuelan sanctions could deepen. “Oil prices have lacked direction in today’s trading session because of mixed market cues,” said Abhishek Kumar, senior energy analyst at Interfax Energy in London. “Insufficient progress made in the USChina trade talks is weighing on prices, although losses are limited by implementation
of the OPEC+ deal and concerns surrounding Venezuela’s oil supplies.” Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, hit $63.63 a barrel, the highest since Dec. 7, before turning negative. Brent slipped 73 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $62.02 around 9:40 a.m. ET (1440 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures hit a 2019 high of $55.75, its best intraday price since Nov. 21. WTI was last down $1.11, or 2 percent, at $54.15. “You have the sanctions on Venezuela, on top of the reduced supply from Saudi Arabia,” said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix. “There’s no sign of overhang in the crude oil markets.” OPEC supply fell in January by the largest amount in two years, a Reuters
survey last week found. That offset limited compliance with the output-cutting deal so far by non-OPEC Russia. The U.S. sanctions on Venezuela will limit oil transactions between Venezuela and other countries and are similar to those imposed on Iran last year, some analysts said after examining details announced by the government. Underlining the lack of excess supply, Jakob cited a rapidly clearing West African crude market and the structure of Brent crude futures, in which the first-month contract is trading near the price of the second month. While OPEC and its allies are cutting output, the United States is expanding supply. Nonetheless, figures on Friday showed a drop in the number of U.S. oil
rigs to their lowest in eight months, lending prices some support. “This points to a less pronounced rise in U.S. oil production,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank. “The oil market is more or less balanced,” he added, citing the drop in OPEC output to a level close to forecast demand for the group’s crude. The main drag on prices has been concern about a possible slowdown in demand this year due to a weaker outlook for economic growth and developments such as the U.S.China trade dispute. U.S. President Donald Trump last week said he would meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the coming weeks to try to settle the dispute, and there are hopes that the two sides will come to an agreement.(By CNBC)
Army begins 2019 “Lieutenant to Captain” promotion exam From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos
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he Nigerian Army has commenced the 2019” Lieutenant to Captain” promotion examination for qualified officers drawn from various army units across the country. Two hundred and fifty six candidates from different courses to participate in the exercise, the army has said. Major General Ademo Salihu, the Promotion Examination President while addressing both Directing Officers and candidates during the opening ceremony of the exercise held at 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, gave the essence for the exercise. He said, ”The objective of the exercise is to prepare candidates for selection to attend the junior staff course, ascertain candidates’ level of improvement, knowledge and standard in the military profession and assist Nigerian Army in their career planning. “ He warned the Directing Officers who would conduct the exercise, against being sentiment in their assessment and judgement, urging them to strictly
observer the rules of the game. Mr Salihu said if any candidate was cut indulging in examination malpractice or disobeying the rules and regulations of the exercise, they would be disqualified and returned to their unites. “ While conducting the exercise, I call on the directing officers to put sentiment aside
and do what is right. I urge you not to compromise in the process. Anyone cuts compromising, will be barred from participating in conducting promotion examination and will be delt accordingly,” Mr Salihu said. Salihu also warned candidates to conduct themselves accordingly.
“ You are to avoid act capable of tarnishing your image or terminating your carrier prematurely. If you are found in examination malpractice, you will be disqualified, “ he said. In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Commanding Officer 3 Division, Major General Nuhu Angbazo, asked the
examination team to be fair to everyone to ensure success of the exercise. The candidates are expected to write exams in tactics and law intensity conflict, driving and maintenance, administration in the field, French map reading, communication and skill at arms proliferation test.
Members of Joint Health Sector Unions, during the Johesu National Protest Rally against discrimination in the Health Sector at the Federal Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa
200 stakeholders to attend APSON retreat in Edo By Osaigbovo Benin
Iguobaro,
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o fewer than 200 Stakeholders in the education sector are billed to attend the first inaugural national executive Council (NEC) meeting and retreat of the association of private school
owners (APSON) in Benin City, Edo State Capital. A statement by the national President of the association, Bishop Godly Opukeme, said Prof. Dosu Malomo, the acting Dean of students, federal University, Oye-Ekiti in Ekiti State, will deliver a lecture on Wednesday.
The theme of the lecture is: “Sustaining the vision and mission of private School education in contemporary Nigeria”, according to the statement which was made available to newsmen in Benin. Edo and Delta States are to co-host the 3-Day programme which would feature induction
of officers and attract parents, delegates from the business, academia, and politics including the Civil society organizations (CSO) and the Media. Opukeme revealed that “those to attend the programme is not limited to Board of trustee members, national executive Council members, State
Chairmen and Secretaries as well as elders forum. Others are Edo State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Emmanuel Agbale and members of national and State houses of Assembly. A communiqué is expected at the end of the retreat which begins on Tuesday.
IPAC chair commends Kaduna Peace Commission over stakeholders training From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
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he Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council IPAC. Kaduna State Chapter Alh. Ibrahim A Suleiman has commended Kaduna Peace Commission for taking the bold step to identify with the stakeholders as critical
stakeholders in determining a peaceful and successful forthcoming general elections. He stated this while reacting to the Commission’s success in organising a high level dialogue on peaceful elections hosted by the United Nations Development Programme and the National Peace Committee.
Alh. Ibrahim A Suleiman also said the Training of media practitioners in partnership with center for Humanitarian Dialogue and Nigeria Union of Journalists is Laudable because the media play a critical role in electioneering. Suleiman added that training of youth on peaceful election is a
welcome development because they are the instruments use by politicians to cause chaos in the country. He explained that some persons might want to argue that the peaceful outcome of elections depend on how politicians play their roles , yes this is true . However , in a
situation where stakeholders are saddled with the responsibility of shaping how citizen interpret and observe political information ,such as election coverage and other political events , the efforts of the Commission cannot be underestimated in shaping the society for the better.
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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, february 5, 2019
CRIME News
NDLEA busts 35 drug joints, hotspots in Kano
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he National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dislodged 35 drug joints and hotspots in Kano
State. The state Commander of the agency, Ibrahim Abdul, said this on Monday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in the last one month. According to him, the success is recorded due to the efforts of its officers during their special operations to keep the state free from drug use as the 2019 general elections approach. “During the period under review, 35 joints and hotspots were dislodged at the following areas: Plaza, Sanya Olu, Kabuga, Rimin Kebe and Danzaki village. “Others are Sauna, Wurare, Aisami, Sabon Titi, Dorayi, Hauren Gadagi, Kwanar Dan-
marke Motor park, Chalawa, Madobi, Ring Road, Farawa village, Mariri Motor park and Kofar Ruwa, among others,” he said. Mr Abdul sais the operation would be sustained to ensure that those drug users did not continue to patronise the joints and the hotspots. “However, during the raid operation, a 42-year-old suspect named Okechukwu Echefu was arrested with nine cartons of fake Coartem tablets, seven cartons of fake Augmenting tablets. “Other exhibits found with the suspect included two cartons of Laclox tablets and two cartons containing brand package and label of the fake drugs. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the drugs were imported and also investigation is ongoing which at the end the suspect will be
transferred to relevant authority,” he said. According to him, the command had arrested 176 suspects, out of which eight are female, during the period in review. He added that a grand total of 736,165 kilograms of exhibits were intercepted by operatives of the command. Mr Abdul explained that among the drugs intercepted, an exhibit similar to Cannabis called ‘Khat’, imported from South Africa was intercepted. The commander added that 136 drug users were referred for brief intervention ‘counseling’, while five regular clients were counselled and rehabilitated. “We were also able to secure the conviction of three suspects, and presently 81 cases are pending. From the statistics and considering the previous record, the supply chain has
reduced significantly. “This I believe was recorded as a result of the new approaches we adopted in combating the menace which has yielded a positive result,” Abdul said. He commended the Kano Emirate Council and the state government for their relentless efforts towards reducing drug abuse and trafficking in the state. He called on religious, traditional rulers and community leaders to redouble their efforts in supporting the command in carrying out its responsibilities. “I also wish to call on property owners to desist from allowing their premises to be used for hoarding drugs or any form of such dealing, as the law has made a provision that will earn such an individual or corporate body a jail term conviction,’’ he warned. (NAN)
2 dead, several injured at APC campaign rally in Oyo
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o fewer than two people died in a bloody clash between suspected political hoodlums at an All Progressives’ Congress (APC) campaign rally in Igboora area of Oyo State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred immediately after the rally held at the old motor park in Igboora on Saturday evening. NAN reports that the campaign train, led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, had commenced with a road show from Lanlate through Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa and Igangan before the rallies at Igboora, Eruwa and Omi-Adio. It was a peaceful rally which saw the governor and the party’s governorship candidate, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledging cheers from supporters who had thronged the streets to show solidarity for the party. Trouble, however, started immediately after the rally in Igboora as suspected political hoodlums engaged in a bloody clash which left one dead. NAN reports that another innocent resident, identified to be a younger brother to an APC leader in the community, was hit by a stray bullet and eventually died. Eyewitnesses told NAN that some suspected hoodlums had accosted the APC governorship candidate to demand money but were blocked by another group of hoodlums. This, witnesses said, resulted in heated arguments which later led to the free for all. The incident had since resulted in counter allegations and reactions from political parties and residents. Some opposition party members, who spoke to NAN, described the incident as very pathetic, saying the APC should investigate themselves on the mayhem. They said that several other opposition parties in the state had visited the community to campaign without violence or bloodshed. Also, some residents of the community frowned at the
sorrowful incident, describing it as a return of thuggery and
brigandage to the state. The spokesman for Oyo State
Police Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, did not respond to NAN
calls and text messages at the time of filing this report. (NAN) L-R: Wife of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Bagudu; Chairman, Central Working Committee, APC Women and Youths Presidential Campaign Team, Gen Buba Marwa; wife the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari; wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Mairo Almakura and APC Women Leader, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa during a meeting of the Wife of the President with the APC Women and Youths Presidential Campaign Team at the Presidential Villa on Sunday in Abuja. Photo: NAN
Property seizure: Court strikes out Evans’ N1bn suit against police, others
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Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday struck out a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwamadike (a.k.a Evans), against the police over the seizure of his property. Mojisola Olatoregun, the justice, held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case. She said that the suit ought to have been filed before a Lagos State High Court where the applicant was facing charges of kidnapping. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evans, through his counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje, filed the suit in June 2018 and joined as respondents, the Inspector-General of Police
(I-G), the Nigeria Police and I-G’s Intelligence Response Team. The applicant prayed the court to declare that alleged forceful seizure of his property by the respondents without any court order, was illegal and unconstitutional. He listed some of the property as N500 million, another N500 million, two residential houses located at Magodo, Lagos State, a Brigade wristwatch worth 20,000 dollars, necklaces worth 25,000 dollars and five pieces of diamond rings. Also listed are one Lexus 470, a Grand Cherokee, a Toyota Highlander, 85 Samsung television sets, 45KVA generator, 22KVA generator, 20KVA inverter worth N10 million and five sets of freezers.
The applicant had sought an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally release the properties. Evans had also asked the court for an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally unseal and vacate without delay, the two residential houses located at Magodo. The judge noted that the respondents did not file any defence, in spite of being served hearing notices. She held that when confronted with a claim under the fundamental rights enforcement procedure, it would be important for the court to critically look at the reliefs sought. According to her, the main issue to be decided is whether the plaintiff’s claim constitutes
a violation of his rights under the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure), adding that the right to own property cannot be denied except for the due process of the law. She held that the applicant failed to show that, within the circumstances of his arrest, the property were forcefully seized. NAN reports that other prayers sought by Evans include an order compelling the respondents to apologise to him and pay him N1 billion as damages for the alleged forceful seizure of his properties. He had also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from taking any action against him or any of his property in relation to this case. (NAN)